Thread by @covid19indiaorg

#sarscov2mutation What does it mean for us?
Mutation of viruses is part of it's evolutionary process. Once inside the host, viruses start replicating. Errors during this replication process results in changes to the genetic makeup of the virus - leading to mutations.

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Depending on where in the genome the changes happen, mutation can impact the survivability of the virus. #SARSCoV2 is an RNA virus (like dengue) and is prone to more mutations than a DNA virus (eg. smallpox).
📣 As of Sept. abt. 12k mutations of #SARSCoV2 were documented.

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What about the new strain reported in UK? Named "VUI-202012/01" (Variant Under Investigation in Dec 2020), it has a set of 23 mutations (out of close to 30k genetic letters). Most notable being the change in spike protein that is used by the virus to bind to our host cells.

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The spike protein is the 'key' of the virus that binds to the receptors of our cells, opening the lock for the virus to enter our cells.
A change to a part of the spike protein can potentially increase the infectousness of the virus.

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First reported in September, upto 60% of recent cases reported in London are attributed to the new strain. Other countries like Australia, Denmark, Netherlands, Italy etc. have also reported instances of the new strain.

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Is it more dangerous?
We don’t know yet. Mutations that make viruses more infectious don’t necessarily make them more dangerous. For eg., the D614G variant is believed to have increased the ability to be transmitted, although it doesn’t seem to result in more severe disease.

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Impact on vaccines: The new variant has mutations to the spike protein that the leading vaccines are targeting. However, vaccines produce antibodies against many regions in the spike protein, so it’s unlikely that a single change would make the vaccine less effective.

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Over time, as more mutations occur, the vaccine may need to be altered. This happens with seasonal flu, which mutates every year, and the vaccine is adjusted accordingly.
Note that the #SARSCoV2 virus doesn’t mutate as quickly as the flu virus.

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What does this mean for us? Mutations will continue, this emphasises the need to practice personal/social safety measures, EVEN WHEN CASES AROUND ONE ARE GOING DOWN.
Viruses don't care for geographical boundaries and border control.
Choose to stay safe and keep others safe!

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